Malabar Mutton Biryani Recipe: How to make easy Mutton Biryani?

Malabari Mutton Biryani is a tantalizing dish that encapsulates the rich and aromatic culinary traditions of the Malabar region of India. This one-pot meal features tender mutton cooked to perfection with fragrant basmati rice, enhanced by a medley of spices that create a symphony of flavors. It’s a delightful blend of spice, heat, and a touch of sweetness, all harmoniously intertwined with the succulent mutton and fluffy rice. The unique use of coconut and the subtle influences of local herbs make this biryani stand out from the crowd, elevating it to a gourmet experience that’s both comforting and gourmet—perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal.

Ingredients

To prepare a delicious Malabari Mutton Biryani, you will need the following ingredients:

Biryani Ingredients:

• For Marinating the Mutton:
  • 500 grams mutton (leg or shoulder), cut into pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tablespoons biryani masala (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• For Cooking:
  • 2 cups basmati rice, soaked in water for 30 minutes
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 green chilies, slit (adjust to heat preference)
  • 2-3 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3-4 green cardamom pods
  • 3-4 cloves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 cup fried onions (optional, for garnish)
• To Garnish:
  • Fresh cilantro and mint leaves
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Mutton (15 minutes prep + 10 minutes resting)

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, biryani masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, lemon juice, chopped cilantro, and mint leaves.
2. Add the mutton pieces to the marinade and mix well to coat. Cover and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Rice (Approximately 10 minutes)

1. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
2. Drain the soaked basmati rice and add it to the boiling water.
3. Cook the rice for about 5-7 minutes until it is about 70% cooked (it should still have a bite). Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Mutton (15 minutes)

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and fry them until golden brown—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent burning.
3. Add green chilies and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the marinated mutton to the pot. Sauté on high heat for about 5-7 minutes until the mutton is browned.
5. Add the whole spices (cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf) and stir-fry for another minute.
6. Add 1–2 cups of water (if using a pressure cooker, add enough water to create steam). Cover the pot and cook the mutton until tender (about 15 minutes in a pressure cooker or simmer on low for about 30 minutes if using a regular pot).

Step 4: Layer Biryani (5 minutes)

1. Once the mutton is cooked and tender, layer half of the partially cooked rice over the mutton.
2. Sprinkle half of the fried onions (if using), and half of the chopped cilantro and mint leaves.
3. Top with the remaining rice, followed by the rest of the fried onions and herbs.
4. Drizzle a little ghee over the top, if desired.

Step 5: Final Cooking (10 minutes)

1. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. If using a regular pot, you can place a heavy pan on top to trap the steam.
2. Cook on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking through steaming.
3. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Malabari Mutton Biryani is best enjoyed with:

• Side Dishes: Raita (yogurt salad) or cucumber salad offers refreshing coolness to balance the spices.
• Condiments: Serve with pickle (achar) and papad for added texture and flavor.
• Beverages: A chilled mango lassi or sweetened iced tea pairs wonderfully with the biryani.

Nutritional Information

Malabari Mutton Biryani is not only delectable but also provides several nutritional benefits:

• Protein-packed: The mutton is a rich source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Healthy fats: Ghee adds healthy fats that are beneficial for overall health.
• Vitamins and minerals: Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint are rich in vitamins A and C and aid digestion.
• Carbohydrates: Basmati rice provides energy due to its complex carbohydrates.
• Spices: Ingredients such as turmeric and ginger have antioxidant properties and may help boost immunity.

Conclusion

This Malabari Mutton Biryani recipe brings the rich culinary heritage of the Malabar region right into your kitchen. With just under 30 minutes of active preparation, you can create a mouthwatering dish that is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Enjoy this festive biryani with your family and friends, and share the love of Malabari cuisine! Happy cooking!

Note: For beginners, don’t hesitate to adjust the spice levels according to your family’s preferences. The key is to enjoy the cooking process!